a sad day...

This weekend marked the end of the Christmas season for us. We had so much fun with everyone. It was all so bittersweet, happy that we were able to spend time together for the holidays, and sad the time had to end. Saturday morning I took our tree down and stored all the decorations. We were gone most of the time on vacation, and were blessed to get an extended vacation with more days with my mom, seeing family again for my dad's wedding, and starting school later. So we've kept the tree up as long as possible. I've absolutely loved it. The boys still wanted to make Christmas cookies or Christmas cinnamon rolls (a new invention, just the cinnamon rolls with red and green sprinkles!) and it was still working for me to say that Santa Clause wouldn't bring presents if they were naughty. But it is now February, and I realize I was probably that last person on the planet to take my tree down but I have to admit that I absolutely loved it. I loved the coziness every night when it was cold and we were cuddled up to watch a movie (or American Idol!). Most of all, I loved what Christmas felt like for me. It was a giant hope for peace. And while that may not happen, we can still hope and pray. I love my family more than anything, and never imagined I'd one day be fasting for protection from the unmentionable. President Utchdorf gave a wonderful talk on hope in October. In it he mentions, "The Lord has given us a reassuring message of hope: “Fear not, little flock.” God will wait with “open arms to receive”those who give away their sins and continue in faith, hope, and charity.
And to all who suffer—to all who feel discouraged, worried, or lonely—I say with love and deep concern for you, never give in. Never surrender. Never allow despair to overcome your spirit." So I'm praying the feeling of Christmas hope will continue...even though the tree is down.

Christmas Collage

Christmas Catch up

We got together with some friends to have the kids make gingerbread houses, and they loved it. Jace is showing his favorite part- eating the candy!

Nice work, right?!

Jace...where's the candy now????

So Proud.

my not-a-baby-anymore baby

Jace is my baby. He is so different from Reuben. Not only did I get my brown-eyed baby, but he's also a mama's boy (still) and not as talkative (yes, still). He gets so shy around strangers, hides his face, and runs away. I remember one day when Reuben was a baby, we were at a restaurant here in town and the waitress wanted to take Reuben to show his blue eyes to the chef. We let her, and he gladly went. Now-a-days I would not only NEVER let this happen, but neither would Jace. He would cling for dear life, and I love it. We took a picture of Reuben in this outfit and Jorge's hat when he was the same age. It's the one on the left side of the blog. What do you think? Complete opposites?
Jace has been curiously exploring how underwear works. He's decided to make a fashion statement, in his support of Reuben's potty training.
I was undressing Jace to get him in the bathtub, when he escaped. This is where I found him. He wants to be everything Reuben is and do everything he does. That can be good and bad! He sometimes does not realize he's 2 years younger and I'm sure he'll be giving me a heart attack soon. Brave boy. His devilishly handsome smile says it all. I told Allison tonight that I've been blog-neglecting Jace. I've had a lot to say about Reuben with his potty training and you know, talking! But I love Jace too and wouldn't change him for the world. Just thought you should know! have a great week!